Topical Encyclopedia Chedorlaomer, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known as the king of Elam. His account is recounted in Genesis 14, where he emerges as a central character in the narrative of the Battle of the Kings. This account provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East and highlights the interactions between various city-states and regions during the time of the patriarchs.Historical Context and Reign Chedorlaomer ruled over Elam, an ancient civilization located in what is now southwestern Iran. Elam was a powerful kingdom known for its influence and military prowess. As king, Chedorlaomer exerted considerable control over the region, forming alliances with other kings to extend his dominion. The Battle of the Kings Genesis 14:1-17 details the coalition led by Chedorlaomer, which included three other kings: Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch of Ellasar, and Tidal, king of nations. This alliance waged war against the rebellious city-states of the Jordan Valley, including Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar). These cities had been subject to Chedorlaomer for twelve years but rebelled in the thirteenth year. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a campaign to subdue the rebellious cities. The coalition was successful in defeating the kings of the Jordan Valley, as described in Genesis 14:5-7: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the desert." The Capture of Lot During the campaign, Chedorlaomer's forces captured Lot, the nephew of Abram (later Abraham), who was living in Sodom at the time. This event prompted Abram to take action. Upon hearing of Lot's capture, Abram gathered 318 trained men from his household and pursued Chedorlaomer's forces. In a surprise night attack, Abram defeated the coalition and rescued Lot, along with the other captives and their possessions (Genesis 14:14-16). Significance in Biblical Narrative Chedorlaomer's role in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of divine providence and the faithfulness of God to His covenant people. Abram's victory over a formidable coalition of kings is seen as a testament to God's protection and blessing upon him. This event also foreshadows the future deliverance and victories that God would grant to the descendants of Abram, the Israelites. Chedorlaomer in Extra-Biblical Sources While the biblical account provides the primary information about Chedorlaomer, some scholars have attempted to identify him with historical figures from ancient Near Eastern records. However, definitive extra-biblical evidence for Chedorlaomer's existence remains elusive, and much of what is known about him comes from the Genesis narrative. Theological Implications Chedorlaomer's account illustrates the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. Despite the apparent power and influence of earthly kings, the narrative demonstrates that God's purposes prevail. Abram's faith and reliance on God serve as a model for believers, emphasizing trust in divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 14:1-16And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 3540. Kedorlaomer -- a king of Elam... Definition: Chedorlaomer. Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a king of Elam NASB Word Usage Chedorlaomer (5). Chedorlaomer. Of ... /hebrew/3540.htm - 6k Library The History after the Flood. "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Chapter xiv Abraham's Faith The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Haran in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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